Holiday Hazards and Safety 2024 Trident Restoration
Tips to Keep This Holiday Season Safe
The holidays are filled with joy, laughter, and the warm embrace of loved ones, bringing everyone together to make lasting memories. To keep this season merry and bright, we’ve compiled a list of safe holiday practices to ensure nothing disrupts the magic of your celebrations. NFPA HOLIDAY SAFETY
Fireplace Safety
The warmth and glow of a fireplace are hard to beat on a cold winter’s night. However, a cozy fire can quickly turn hazardous without proper precautions. Schedule an inspection and cleaning of your fireplace and chimney to prevent soot buildup, creosote fires, or smoke seeping into your home. And always use a screen to catch any stray embers while keeping flammable materials far from the hearth.
Four-Legged Loved Ones
Pets bring extra cheer to the holidays, but they can also create unexpected chaos. From toppling Christmas trees to chewing on electrical cords, furry friends need extra supervision around holiday décor. Use pet-safe ornaments, avoid placing tempting treats within paw’s reach, and secure fragile items to prevent accidents. A little preparation can save your décor—and your sanity!
Frying Safety
Nothing says festive feast like a perfectly fried turkey, but safety comes first. Follow these essential tips to avoid turning your holiday meal into a disaster:
1. Choose a safe, level outdoor location, far from any flammable materials.
2. Avoid overfilling the pot with oil—only use enough to cover the turkey.
3. Always use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
4. Wear gloves and use long tongs to handle the turkey.
5. Never leave the fryer unattended.
6. Allow the turkey to cool before carving to avoid burns.
And remember, your fryer isn’t an outdoor fireplace! Keep the “man crowd” to a minimum, and send the family critic back inside so you can focus on your culinary masterpiece.
Kitchen Chaos
The kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays, buzzing with activity and filled with tantalizing aromas. Keep the magic alive by staying organized:
• Double-check all burners before stepping away.
• Set timers for dishes to avoid burning.
• Designate landing zones for hot trays and pans to keep counters clear.
We don’t want you to become Scott Calvin and end up at Denny’s with all the other dads who burned the turkey. With a little extra care, you’ll serve up a holiday meal to remember.
Bathroom Boundaries
When guests arrive, the bathroom takes center stage. Be ready for the increased usage by having a plunger handy and opting for thinner toilet paper to reduce the risk of clogs. Encourage guests to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper to prevent an overflow disaster.
Winterizing While on Vacation
If you’re traveling to a special destination this season, take steps to safeguard your home from winter weather:
• Turn off your water supply and drain pipes to prevent freezing.
• Winterize outdoor faucets and toilets.
• Keep the heat at a moderate temperature (around 55°F) to avoid freezing issues.
Returning to a safe, intact home beats dealing with water damage—and while Trident Restoration is here if you need us, we’d rather help you prevent mishaps in the first place.
Deck the Halls with Care
Planning a showstopping holiday display? Make safety part of your masterpiece:
• Use a sturdy ladder on level ground with someone spotting you.
• For roof decorations, wear proper footwear, secure yourself with safety gear, and work with a partner.
Are you the Clark Griswold of your neighborhood? Don’t let a wobbly ladder or tangled lights dim your festive spirit. Be cautious, and let your display shine without a trip to the ER.
Light It Up Safely
Holiday lights bring sparkle to the season, but overloading circuits can cause a power outage—or worse, a fire. Use surge protectors, avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords, and check lights for frayed wires or loose connections before plugging them in.
Water Your Christmas Tree
Real trees are beautiful but also prone to drying out, becoming a major fire hazard. Christmas trees are thirstier than a fish on dry land and need daily watering. A hydrated tree not only looks better but also reduces fire risk, keeping your holidays merry and bright.
With these Helpful Tips for the Holidays, we hope your season is filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories—all while staying safe and stress-free.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Trident Restoration!
